20/09/2026
With the cost of living going up, this may help you to find out if now is a good time to cash in on any unwanted and unworn jewlery around the home.
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You can identify jewelry metal by checking hallmarks (e.g., 925 for sterling silver, 585 for 14K gold), testing physical properties like density and magnetism, and examining maker’s marks or plating codes such as GP or GF.
1. Check Hallmarks (Most Reliable Method)
Hallmarks are small numbers or symbols stamped on jewelry that indicate metal purity, origin, and sometimes the maker.
Common Gold Hallmarks
375 = 9K gold
417 = 10K gold
585 = 14K gold
750 = 18K gold
916 = 22K gold
999 = 24K gold (too soft for most jewelry)
jeweltrendpro.com
jeweltrendpro.com
Common Silver Hallmarks
925 = Sterling silver
958 = Britannia silver
800 = Continental silver
jeweltrendpro.com
jeweltrendpro.com
Platinum
950 = 95% platinum
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
Plating & Process Marks
GP = Gold plated
GF = Gold filled
HGE = Heavy gold electroplate
elaramuse.com
elaramuse.com
2. Physical Tests You Can Do at Home
Magnet Test
Gold, silver, and platinum are not magnetic.
Strong attraction suggests steel or a base metal.
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
Density & Weight
Different metals have distinct weight profiles:
Gold: very heavy for its size
Stainless steel: heavy and rigid
Zinc alloy: noticeably lighter
Copper: medium weight, warm tone
jewelhub.co.uk
jewelhub.co.uk
Tarnish & Color
Real silver tarnishes to a grey/black patina.
Fake gold plating may show green or black wear spots.
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
antiquejewelrybuyers.org
3. Maker’s Marks & Origin Stamps
These identify the brand or country (e.g., lion symbol for UK silver). They help confirm authenticity and age.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth
4. When to Use Professional Testing
For uncertain or high‑value pieces, jewelers use:
XRF spectrometry (non-destructive)
Acid testing
Fire assay (for gold purity)
jeweltrendpro.com
jeweltrendpro.com
Summary
Hallmarks provide the clearest identification, while simple tests like magnetism, weight, and tarnish patterns help confirm the metal type.
